13 Feb 2014

Dairy farms to be sold by Solid Energy

8:49 am on 13 February 2014

A change of plans by Solid Energy has resulted in a large block of dairy farming land going up for sale in Eastern Southland.

Dairy paddocks in Southland

A block of more than 2000 hectares between Mataura and Gore is for sale. Photo: SUPPLIED

The 2000 hectares between Mataura and Gore, comprise nine dairy farms and dairy support properties, ranging in size from about 33 hectares to 400 hectares. They are all within a five mile radius.

The State coal mining company bought the farms to get access to the district's large lignite coal reserves, but its plans have now changed and it no longer needs the site.

PGG Wrightson Real Estate is handling the sale.

General manager Peter Newbold expects a lot of interest, because with high milk prices, demand for dairy land is exceeding supply.

He said the tender process would determine whether the land goes to large operators taking the whole lot or individuals or groups taking parts of the land.

Mr Newbold said tenders for the farms would close in early April.